NEW ADULT DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE WILL SUPPORT 3,119 PEOPLE IN RENFREWSHIRE

Natalie Don MSP has said the new Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance will ensure that over 3,000 people in Renfrewshire will benefit from “an approach rooted in dignity, fairness and respect” with Social Security Scotland providing a total of 15 support payments.

Under the Scottish Government’s proposals, those in Scotland who currently receive the DWP’s Disability Living Allowance – around 66,000 adults – will, from next year, be automatically transferred to the new Scottish benefit. They will then be able to apply for Adult Disability Payment.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“Since its inception, Social Security Scotland has set out to support those who need it most, with an approach rooted in dignity, fairness and respect – and I am pleased that more people in Renfrewshire will benefit from this progressive approach.

“For over 3,000 people who are currently reliant on the cruel and out-dated DWP, this new benefit will streamline the provision of support and enable them to apply for Social Security Scotland’s flagship Adult Disability Payment.

“This is just one of many examples of the progress that can be made when we have the power to make decisions in the best interests of Scots as we work to build a fairer, more prosperous country.”

RECORD NUMBER OF JUNIOR DOCTORS TAKE UP POSTS

Applications for medical training posts in Scotland are at record levels with more junior doctors joining the NHS than ever before.

Data from NHS Education for Scotland shows that 1,231 posts were advertised throughout 2023 and 94% (1,156) of these filled successfully. This includes all entry-level posts in anaesthetics, radiology, emergency medicine, surgery and psychiatry. GP training programmes have been filled at 100% for the first time.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I welcome these figures, which makes clear that Scotland continues to perform strongly in the field of medical education and training.

“This reflects the commitment and dedication of our brilliant NHS staff who deliver high quality training while also caring for their patients, alongside the SNP Scottish Government’s continued investment in expanding our medical workforce and improving conditions.

“Last year BMA Junior Doctors accepted a record pay deal in Scotland, the single biggest investment in Junior Doctor pay since the Scottish Parliament was established in 1999. This maintains our commitment to make Scotland the best place in the UK for Junior Doctors to work and train.

“I’m delighted to see so many junior doctors are choosing to practice medicine in Scotland, with some being placed at the Royal Alexandra Hospital just outside the constituency.”

OVER £44 MILLION PAID TO HELP WITH FINANCIAL COST OF LOSS

More than £44 million has been paid to help thousands of people with the cost of a funeral via a Scottish Government benefit, according to latest figures.

Funeral Support Payment provides money to help cover funeral costs and ease financial pressure for people suffering bereavement.

The statistics show it had helped more than 23,000 people by the end of December.

The payment can be used to pay towards costs including burial and cremation, a coffin, flowers and travel. The amount paid depends on costs, and the average payout between April and December last year was £1969.

People who get qualifying benefits and are responsible for paying for a funeral have been urged to check if they are eligible for this vital financial support and avoid getting into debt. They can apply up to six months after the date of the funeral.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“Coming to terms with a loss and grief is devastating at any time. As people continue to deal with the cost of living crisis, the Scottish Government wants to ease the pressure on those who can least afford to pay for a funeral.

“Since the Funeral Support Payment launched, the SNP Scottish Government has provided over £44 million in vital financial support to help people and families across Scotland pay for a funeral.

“I would encourage anyone living in Renfrewshire and facing these costs to check if they are eligible and make an application, even if they have already planned for and made other financial arrangements – it is vital that constituents receive the support that they are entitled to during difficult times.”

SUPPORT FOR FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH

FUNDING FOR PERINATAL AND INFANT SERVICES

Charities providing support to pregnant women, new mums and their families are to share £1.5 million expand and enhance their mental health and wellbeing services. 

It has been estimated that up to 20% of mums and up to 10% of dads are affected by poor mental health in the perinatal period.

The Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Fund, which is now open for applications, enables organisations to provide a range of one-to-one and group-based support and care for parents, carers and new babies. Over 10,000 parents, expectant parents and infants have been supported by existing funded organisations since 2019. The new round of funding will start from October 2024.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“It is crucial that all parents have access to good mental healthcare throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period, which is why the Scottish Government is dedicated to supporting the vital third sector organisations that provide access to these services

“This latest round of funding of up to £1.5 million, building on previous awards of over £2.8 million over four years, is designed to increase the provision of parenting and infant support, peer support and counselling or psychological support. The Fund will enable organisations to provide the services that women and their families need.

“On top of the baby box, the Young Patients Family Fund, the provision of free vitamins, plan to improve maternity and neonatal care, the Family Nurse Partnership, and much more action taken by the Scottish Government, it is clear that we are working hard to make Scotland the best place to live and start a family.”

NEW DATA REVEALS NEARLY 30,000 SCOTS HAVE HAD BENEFITS CAPPED : SNP CALL ON UK GOVERNMENT TO ‘SCRAP THE CAP’

The SNP has urged the UK government to ‘scrap the cap’, after new data from the Department of Work and Pensions revealed that 28,248 Scottish households have had their housing benefit or Universal Credit capped between the introduction of the benefit cap and November 2023.

88% of those households include children, with the majority of capped households continuing to be single parents with children.

The SNP are calling for both the Tories' and Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party to commit to the abolition of the benefit cap - or devolve the full powers of social security laws to Holyrood so that the SNP Scottish Government can tackle the problem head on.

The SNP Scottish Government is already providing £8.6million in direct support for people affected by the UK benefit cap as part of its work to tackle child poverty.

Scarp the benefits Cap!

It is essential that Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer finally commit to abolishing the cruel benefit cap in their general election manifestos. 

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“It is essential that Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer finally commit to abolishing the cruel benefit cap in their general election manifestos. 

“A failure to do so consigns families across Renfrewshire North and West to poverty and financial hardship.

“The data released today highlights the reality of Westminster austerity. It is time to abolish the cap and stop taking vital support away from those who need it most.

“It is clear that the only Party that represents Scotland’s values in Westminster is the SNP, who will continue to stand up for Scotland’s priorities and be the voice that Scotland needs."

SCOTTISH ADULT DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE PLANNED

Plans for a Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, a new benefit to provide continued support to around 66,000 adults with a disability or long-term health condition, have been unveiled.

Under new proposals, eligible people who receive Disability Living Allowance through the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions would have their award transferred automatically to the new Scottish benefit. They would then have the opportunity to apply for Adult Disability Payment if they choose.

Legislation to create the ‘closed’ benefit – for existing recipients of the Disability Living Allowance that it supersedes – will be laid in the Scottish Parliament this year.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I am pleased that the Scottish Government is progressing plans to bring forward legislation to create a Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance and give people in Renfrewshire the opportunity to remain on this benefit for as long as they are eligible.

“Once transferred, people can continue to be paid Scottish Adult Disability Allowance or apply for our flagship Adult Disability Payment if they prefer.

“Around 137,000 people are now receiving our Adult Disability Payment, including over 3000 in Renfrewshire based on latest statistics published this month, and it has provided almost £462 million to disabled people since it was launched in 2022.”

Natalie Don MSP raises concerns over Bank of Scotland closures in her constituency

Natalie Don MSP for Renfrewshire North & West comments on proposed Bank of Scotland closures in Bridge of Weir and Renfrew, Natalie said:

“This is extremely disappointing news for both Bridge of Weir and Renfrew, with little notice given from the Bank of Scotland that they are closing their branches in both communities in July 2024.

“These closures will have an impact on residents and local businesses who rely on in-person banking and will inevitably hit our elderly and vulnerable the hardest, who may not use, or have access to online services or are unable to travel outwith their communities to access a bank.”

“I will be meeting with the Bank of Scotland immediately to discuss this decision. I will be urging them to reconsider this decision and, at the very least, seeking assurances on any measures they plan to put in place to support their customers.”

NATALIE DON MSP URGES WOMEN TO APPLY FOR HISTORIC MESH REMOVAL EXPENSES

Any women who have not claimed back the cost of private mesh removal arranged before 3 June 2022 are being encouraged to do so ahead of the planned closure of the Transvaginal Mesh Removal Reimbursement Scheme.

As announced in the parliament in October 2023, the scheme for women to claim back the cost of private mesh removal surgery will close to new applications at the end of March. The Scheme was due to close in December 2023, but the Scottish Government extended to give women a final chance to apply.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“Many women who have been impacted by complications after having had transvaginal mesh implanted have experienced immense pain and suffering.

“This scheme aims to help those who have undergone private treatment by allowing these past costs to be refunded, ensuring women affected across Renfrewshire North and West, and the rest of Scotland, are no longer at a financial disadvantage.

“It is important that women who are eligible to apply to the Transvaginal Mesh Removal Reimbursement Scheme are not left out of pocket, which is why the Scottish Government extended the scheme. I would urge any women who thinks she may be eligible for reimbursement to apply before 31 March.”

SUPPORTING SCHOOLS TO PLAY THEIR PART IN TACKLING GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

A dedicated approach to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV) in schools has been published.

Developed by a working group co-chaired by the Scottish Government, Rape Crisis Scotland and Zero Tolerance, the framework encompasses testimony from young people and staff and sets out how schools can use education, with an emphasis on compassion, to challenge societal views which normalise gender-based violence.

It aims to support schools by:

• demonstrating the different ways GBV can affect young people in a school community and highlighting how schools can challenge the underlying gender inequalities which can cause it

• providing guidance to support schools’ responses to GBV experienced, or carried out by, children and young people or other members of the school community, including staff

• outlining the approach schools should take to recording GBV behaviours and signposting to further support and learning

GBV refers to behaviours ranging from name calling, intimidation and physical violence to sexual harassment and emotional abuse, which can affect anyone, but is more commonly experienced by women and girls.

The Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research report, published last year, highlighted an increase in misogynistic views and language as an emerging concern in schools which the Education Secretary committed to developing a dedicated approach to address, as part of the government’s wider response to challenges with behaviour in schools.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I fully support the SNP Scottish Government’s ambition to create cultures in schools whereby all members of the school community know that gender-based violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Prevention and early intervention are key to the approach to address the underlying causes of gender-based violence, particularly gender inequality.

“This framework forms part of our broader action to address the issue of gender equality within education as part of the implementation of our Equally Safe Strategy and broader commitment to eradicate gender-based violence in every part of our society.

“All children and young people have a right to a learning environment where they are protected, cared for, and in which their rights and needs are respected. The vital role of schools to help create this culture can help us to end of gender-based violence and misogyny once and for all.”

SUPPORTING SURVIVORS OF RAPE AND DOMESTIC ABUSE

Survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse will be able to access support quicker thanks to an additional £2 million of funding from the Scottish Government.

The funding will go to Rape Crisis Scotland and Scottish Women’s Aid so they can reduce their waiting lists for women who need support services, including refuge places and counselling. Last year, both organisations supported more than 27,000 women and girls, but demand for their services has grown.

The £2 million for 2024-25 is in addition to £19 million annual funding the Scottish Government provides to support women with experience of violence through the Delivering Equally Safe fund.  

Supporting Survivors of Rape and Domestic Abuse

The work that Women’s Aids and Rape Crisis centres do day in and day out to support women, girls and families, here in Renfrewshire and across Scotland, is invaluable.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“We have seen that demand for these services is increasing, which is why the SNP Scottish Government is providing record funding, investing an additional £2 million to help with immediate need. This is in addition to funding received through the Delivering Equally Safe Fund.

“Alongside supporting those impacted, the Scottish Government is committed to tackling violence against women and girls, and addressing the underlying attitudes and systems that perpetuate it through our Equally Safe Strategy. It is this that needs to change in order to eradicate the violence too many experience.”

SCOTLAND LET DOWN BY UK GOVERNMENT SPRING BUDGET

The UK Government’s Spring Budget has failed to deliver the funding Scotland needs for public services, infrastructure and cost of living measures.

The Chancellor had a chance to boost economic growth, create jobs and fund a just transition to net zero. However, the Budget has provided less in Barnett consequentials from health than in-year health consequentials of 2023-24, and failed to deliver more capital funding for infrastructure.

Scotland let down by Spring Budget

The UK Spring Budget is nothing short of a betrayal of public services across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“With the cost of living crisis resulting in people needing more support than ever, I expected the Chancellor to make a sensible decision to ease pressures on services by providing more funding for capital. This would have helped support our NHS and the delivery of more affordable housing in Renfrewshire, but it would also have created jobs and economic growth, as well as helping secure a just transition to net zero.

“However, with his last roll of the dice before the election, the Chancellor fell hopelessly short.

“Yesterday’s statement provides not a single penny more for capital funding – and the Barnett consequentials from health that were signalled by the Chancellor are actually less than the in-year health consequentials of 2023-24 and less than what is needed to address the pressures we face.

“Public services are on their knees after over a decade of Tory austerity and they are now being sacrificed to deliver unsustainable tax cuts. I am sure many will be looking at this Spring Budget and wondering how on earth they can survive. 

“My constituents across Renfrewshire North and West have once again been badly let down by the UK Government. With Sir Keir Starmer confirming that Labour will follow the Tory’s tax and spend rules once in power, it is clear that Westminster offers no solution to working families across Scotland.

“Westminster’s dangerous approach to funding public services do not represent the values of the people of Scotland. We need independence so that the people of Scotland can have a government with the financial levers necessary to properly protect and invest in our NHS.”

RENTERS REMINDED OF RIGHTS BEFORE RENT CAP ENDS

TENANTS RIGHTS IN SCOTLAND CONTINUE TO BE THE STRONGEST IN THE UK

Private renters in Renfrewshire are being urged to know their rights before the emergency rent cap and additional evictions protections in Scotland come to an end from 1 April.

Tenants in Scotland have some of the strongest rights of any part of the UK, an awareness raising campaign will highlight those rights and what tenants should expect from their landlords, including:

• the right to ask for a review of a rent increase

• protection from illegal evictions or being asked to leave a property without proper notice

• a landlord giving a tenant the correct notice period before increasing rent

• ensuring rented homes are maintained to an acceptable standard

Natalie Don MSP

Tenants and landlords are also reminded that the emergency rent cap is still in place until 1 April, so all rent increase notices for private residential tenancies issued before then must still comply with the current cap of 3%. Rent increases proposed after that date still need to give 3 months’ notice, and tenants can seek a review of increases they are concerned about.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“The Scottish Government’s emergency legislation has led the way in the UK in capping most in-tenancy rent increases, protecting tenants across Scotland from the worst impacts of the cost-of-living crisis.

“The emergency nature of the legislation, which was approved by the Scottish Parliament, means the rent cap cannot be extended beyond 31 March. However, tenants in Renfrewshire should be aware that they still have significant rights from before the emergency act, and the government has made use of powers to make sure any rent rises are more manageable.

“Subject to parliamentary approval, the system of checking rent rises will be adjusted from 1 April so that rents are not simply jumping to market levels in all cases in one step.   

“I would encourage anyone across the Renfrewshire North and West constituency who is currently renting or about to enter the rental market to check the rights that exist to protect them from unfair practices.”

FREE COURT TRANSCRIPTS FOR RAPE VICTIMS

Victims in rape and serious sexual assault cases in Scotland will be the first in the UK to have access to transcripts from their court cases free of charge.

The year-long pilot, commencing this week, will see those whose cases are heard in the High Court be eligible to apply for transcripts of what was said in court.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I very much welcome this step from the Scottish Government which will help to ensure that we have a trauma-informed justice system, helping to support survivors of rape and serious sexual assaults.

“Many survivors in Scotland have shared their experiences of the court process, stating that it can be very traumatic and it can be difficult to take in what is said in court at the time. Being able to obtain transcripts, where they can go over exactly what was said in court in their own time, can help their recovery.

“Survivors have reported that the costs of paying for transcripts can be prohibitive, so the Scottish Government’s pilot will provide £100,000 funding for court transcripts in these High Court cases. They will also continue to work with the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service to see how the application of new technology might help minimise the cost of producing transcripts for all those who wish to access them.

“I hope that the pilot, along with the proposed reforms in the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, will help to improve sexual offence victims’ experience of the justice system so they can have confidence in it.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes funding to reduce health inequalities

£66,000 will go to Thrive under Five to support work to reduce child obesity.

Natalie Don MSP has said that new Scottish Government funding for projects which work with families to reduce obesity and health inequalities will make a tangible difference to the lives of children in Renfrewshire North & West.

Ten projects across Scotland – including Thrive under Five – will be allocated a share of £538,141 for work to reduce obesity in children. This coincides with the ‘HENRY - Healthy Families Right from the Start’ programme which helps parents and carers provide a healthier, happier start in life to children under five.

Reducing Health Inequalities

By reducing inequalities and enabling families to make better food choices we can make a real difference to the next generation and embed health habits that will last a lifetime.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

“Childhood obesity has huge, life-long implications for those suffering from it and for our NHS, however the rising cost of living has exacerbated food insecurity for many families in Renfrewshire North & West.

“That is why the preventative work and support offered by Thrive under Five is so important; ensuring that Renfrewshire North & West’s children have the best start in life and taking use one step closer to achieving the Scottish Government’s ambitious goal of halving childhood obesity by 2030.

“By reducing inequalities and enabling families to make better food choices we can make a real difference to the next generation and embed health habits that will last a lifetime.”

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES FUND TO MAKE COURT TRANSCRIPTS FREELY AVAILABLE TO VICTIMS

SNP MSP Natalie Don has welcomed the Scottish Government pilot scheme to improve access to justice which will see victims of rape and serious sexual assault able to access transcripts from their court cases for free.

From 1st March 2024 to 1st March 2025, £100,000 of funding will enable complainers who have had their cases heard in the High Court to apply for the transcripts of what was said in their court cases, free of charge.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“For those in Renfrewshire North & West who are victims of sexual assault or rape, this pilot will greatly improve transparency and fairness in the process of achieving retribution.

“I pay tribute to those in my constituency and beyond who have campaigned for greater fairness and accountability in the process of achieving justice – something that can always be improved.

“The scheme, along with the proposed Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill are designed to improve victims’ experience and increase confidence in the justice system.

“I am pleased to see this SNP Government removing barriers to justice for victims of sexual assault, and I encourage all those in Renfrewshire North & West who are able to do so to make full use of this pilot fund.”

20,000 can get Best Start Foods for the first time

“This rule change means an estimated 20,000 more people being able to access money to help with the cost of food shopping”, said Natalie Don MSP.

Changes to a key Scottish Government benefit will see an estimated 20,000 people able to access money to help with the cost of food shopping for the first time.  Rule changes around eligibility for Best Start Foods came into force from Monday 26th February extending eligibility by making it easier to qualify.

Best Start Foods, which was paid to more than 46,000 people in 2022/23, is money every four weeks to help pay for healthy food from pregnancy until a child turns three.  It’s delivered on a pre-paid chip and pin card which can be used in most stores and online.

Before the changes it was paid to people who receive qualifying benefits as long as their incomes did not pass certain limits. Those income thresholds have now been removed in a move which means thousands more will be able to successfully apply for a card.  Other rule changes have made it simpler for eligible young parents to receive the benefit.

Improving Access to Best Start Foods

This investment allows us to take positive measures such as giving critical help with buying healthy foods to those who need it most.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“This is an important move by the Scottish Government.  In 2024/25 we are committing a record £6.3billion for benefits expenditure, supporting over 1.2 million people to help tackle poverty.

“This is £1.1 billion more than the UK Government gives to the Scottish Government for social security, demonstrating our commitment to tackling poverty.

“This investment allows us to take positive measures such as giving critical help with buying healthy foods to those who need it most.

“It will also further benefit the whole economy when cards are used and the cash is spent.”

HOME INSURANCE REMAINS HIGHER IN BROKEN BREXIT BRITAIN THAN IN EU NEIGHBOUR COUNTRIES

New research shows that home insurance costs have significantly increased in the UK post-Brexit and have remained higher than our European Union neighbours ever since.

Research commissioned by the SNP from the House of Commons library shows home insurance prices have risen faster in the UK than the EU average since 2015. Since 2015 EU home insurance prices have risen by less than a fifth, but in the same period UK home insurance prices have risen by nearly a third.

Previous analysis from the SNP found that between January 2022 and May 2023, UK home insurance inflation has risen sharply to an average of 17.9%.

In contrast, the inflation rate during the exact same period in neighbouring EU countries remained far lower - in France it averaged only 2.8%, and in Germany inflation on home insurance actually fell by an average of 2.6%.

EY UK reported that the UK home insurance market experienced its worst performing year on record in 2022, with further losses expected across 2023 and 2024 - as a result consumer premium prices are set to rise 17% this year (on average £43 per policy), and a further 16% in 2024 (£44 per policy).

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“As a result of broken Brexit Britain, the UK is being hit harder by inflation than our nearest European neighbours and it is ordinary working households in Renfrewshire and beyond that are paying the price.

“The UK Tory government have crashed the economy, dragged Scotland out of the EU and exacerbated the cost of living crisis. The blame for rising home insurance costs lies squarely at the door of number 10 and the slew of Tory Prime Ministers we’ve had since 2010, none of which Scotland voted for.

“Only by voting for the SNP at the next General Election can we guarantee a Tory free Scotland, alongside enabling us to build a fairer, more successful and equal economy that works for all.”

SCOTTISH GOVERNENT SUPPORTING STUDENTS OVER SUMMER

Higher education students can apply to spread their student financial support package over a 12-month period for the first time this coming academic year.

The year-long package of support will be available for eligible undergraduate students from August 2024. The change will ensure that payments of relevant student loans and bursaries can continue through the summer months. This follows a successful two-year programme, which saw care experienced students being given the option of 12-month support.

Care-Experienced students will continue to receive additional support for their living costs under the Summer Accommodation Grant from Summer 2024. Students eligible for the grant - which will replace the Care-Experienced Accommodation Grant - will be entitled to a payment of up to £1,330 to help ensure they do not fall into rent arrears over the summer.

These changes will coincide with the £2,400 increase to the annual support package, which sees the main undergraduate funding package rise up to £11,400.

Supporting Students over Summer

Throughout my own time in university, I also campaigned on this issue as I felt the impacts of the lack of support myself. 

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I know that the summer months can be a difficult period for learners when their SAAS payments stop – not all students are able to rely on their parents, and not everyone has the access to work and training opportunities due to financial barriers and caring responsibilities.

“Throughout my own time in university, I also campaigned on this issue as I felt the impacts of the lack of support myself. 

“This change will ensure that learners can access the vital funds they need the whole year round and is on top of increased financial support for Scottish students, with the main undergraduate funding package now in line with the Living Wage.

“It is also another example of the actions being taken by the Scottish Government to support students through the cost-of-living crisis. Scotland already has the lowest student debt levels in the UK, which is thanks to our commitment to free tuition and our enhanced student support offering.

“We are seeing a record number of students from Scotland’s most deprived areas applying to study at university, so action like this from the Scottish Government is essential to ensure that they are supported to succeed in their studies. It will help to further break down barriers and ensure that access to our world-class institutions is not denied to anyone across Renfrewshire, whatever their background.”

RENFREWSHIRE CITIZEN’S ADVICE BENEFITTING FROM SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT FUNDING TO HELP TACKLE COUNCIL TAX DEBT

Extra help for people struggling with council tax debt will be on offer in three local authority areas, including Renfrewshire, under a pilot scheme.

The Scottish Government is providing Citizens Advice Scotland with £200,000 funding to better understand the reasons why some people end up in council tax arrears and to work collaboratively with local councils to help reduce and prevent council tax debt in future.

Citizen’s Advice Bureaux in Renfrewshire, Clackmannanshire and the Scottish Borders will test different ways of working including:

-              Providing targeted support to individuals facing council tax debt

-              Simplifying the referral processes between councils and advice services

-              Organising mutual training sessions for council and Citizens Advice staff

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“The SNP Scottish Government know many people are struggling with the cost of living crisis , which is why we are targeting resources at those most in need.

“Council tax debt is a significant issue and one that particularly affects the most vulnerable. The three Bureaux involved in these pilots, including Renfrewshire Citizen’s Advice, have established relationships with their local authorities. This funding will help build on those connections to support individuals tackle problem debt and also provide valuable learning on how public sector debt can best be managed.

“Advice services are critical to our communities, supporting people to understand their rights and entitlements, maximising incomes and helping to reduce poverty. I am glad that the Scottish Government will invest more than £12.5 million in a range of advice services providing free income maximisation, welfare and debt advice.”

SNP BUDGET PRIORITISES REDUCING INEQUALITY

BUDGET BILL PASSES FIRST STAGE

Plans to target funding at the Scottish Government’s key missions amid an “extremely challenging” financial situation have been endorsed by the Scottish Parliament.

MSPs have voted for the general principles of the Scottish Budget Bill, which prioritises tackling the cost of living crisis and reducing inequality through record social security funding. 

Among other priorities, the Budget includes:

• £6.3 billion for social security benefits, which will all be increased in line with inflation. This is £1.1 billion more than the funding received from the UK Government for social security, demonstrating the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling poverty.

• £13.2 billion for frontline NHS boards, with additional investment of more than half a billion – an uplift of over 4%.

• Record funding of more than £14 billion for local government, including £144 million to enable local authorities to freeze Council Tax rates at their current levels.

• More than £1.5 billion for policing to support frontline services and key priorities such as body-worn cameras, as well as nearly £400 million to support the fire service.

• £200 million to help tackle the poverty-related attainment gap, up to £1.5 million to cancel school meal debt and almost £390 million to protect teacher numbers and fund the teacher pay deal.

• Almost £2.5 billion for public transport to provide viable alternatives to car use and increased investment of £220 million in active travel to promote walking, wheeling and cycling.

SNP Budget Passes First Stage

While cruel Westminster policies such as the Tory-implemented and Labour-backed two child cap hammer struggling households - the SNP is doing everything possible to stand up for and support people in Renfrewshire North and West and beyond.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I am pleased that once again, the SNP Scottish Government is investing in the people of Scotland and tackling poverty through investment of £6.3 billion in social security support, over £1 billion more than the Scottish Government receives from the UK government through block grant adjustments, to support over 1.2 million people.

"Social Security Scotland support goes directly to low income households and disadvantaged communities - including £457 million for the game-changing Scottish Child Payment which now reaches over 320,000 families. 

“The record spend on our social security system ensures that low-income families are supported through the Westminster cost of living crisis, older people are able to heat their homes over winter and disabled people are enabled to live full and independent lives. 

"While cruel Westminster policies such as the Tory-implemented and Labour-backed two child cap hammer struggling households - the SNP is doing everything possible to stand up for and support people in Renfrewshire North and West and beyond."